[Use of floctafenine in toothaches in adults and children (a controlled study). II]

Abstract

A double-blind study was made of the activity and tolerance of 400 mg Floctaphenine versus 400 mg Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) on ordinary random administration. 48 patients received Floctaphenine and 50 ASA. Menstruating women were included, but not children aged less than 12 yr. Periodontitis, pulpitis, abscesses, extractions and dysodontiasis were the most frequently represented sources of pain. Subjects completing the study were divided into groups: those already treated with other analgesics in the previous 24 hr, those with uninterrupted pain, those with attacks of pain, those for whom one administration was sufficient, menstruating women. Account was also taken of the effect of treatment before or after meals, and the influence of a simultaneously administered antibiotic (the same one in each case). Statistical assessment showed that both drugs were analgesic, but that Floctaphenine was significantly (P < 0.01) better than ASA. The same was true with regard to latency time, duration of the effect, clinical assessment, need for support from other analgesics. The antibiotic appeared to have no appreciable influence of the activity of the two drugs, nor did the time of administration (before or after meals). Much the same picture was apparent in each group. Menstrual status was devoid of influence, though it cannot be stated with equal certainty that whether secondary effects were more frequent. Floctaphenine was very well tolerated. There were 4 somewhat doubtful cases of somnolence (8.33%). It was not certain, in fact, whether this was not an outcome of the relief from pain. ASA was accompanied by stomach pain in 9 cases (18%). This was much more common when it was taken on an empty stomach.